Wheels up

How to plan for and deal with inevitable injuries from bikes, trikes and all things on wheels.

If you are a parent of a child or teen with a skateboarding or cycling hobby, you’ve no doubt seen your share of bumps and scrapes. If you’re lucky, those injuries have been minor. However, there is a danger inherent to bikes, skateboards, skates and scooters that can escalate injury probability as well as seriousness. You might not be able to avoid the small stuff, but planning ahead might prevent (or prepare you for) something more serious.

One major risk with bikes is that they often must share the road with bigger and faster vehicles. If you have a teen that cycles on the roadway, it’s important that they are versed and confident in rules of the road. While bikes might have the legal right of way, one must always assume that drivers might not do the right thing. Instill caution — and a small amount of distrust — in teens who ride their bikes on city streets or country roads.

Much of kids’ wheeled activities is in skateparks across the city, perfecting tricks at low speed. This does not, however, imply that lower speed reduces the risk of injury. The majority of skateboard accidents are, as one would expect, orthopedic damage to the extremities like broken wrists and ankles. However, since all skateboarding is done on concrete there is always a risk of facial and head injuries; and again, when cars come into contact with any person on a bike or skateboard, the car always wins.

The safety guidelines for cycling, skateboarding and similar are easy to remember, but somewhat more difficult to enforce if children don’t like the look and bulk of the gear. The most important rules for all ride-ons are to 1) always wear a helmet; and 2) avoid sharing space with cars. Encourage kids to wear sport-specific safety gear like wrist braces, elbow and knee pads. Some skate and scooter parks even require safety gear to be worn by participants.

It’s inevitable that children involved in any sports will be injured to some extent if they participate long enough. If you are prepared, you can minimize the distress to the child, and yourself.

• Have a first aid kit at home for minor cuts and abrasions

• Know the signs of concussion

• Know where the closest emergency department or urgent care is located

Sports injuries are a part of childhood, but they can be minimized by teaching children to be mindful of their safety and the safety of others.

---

Brought to you by: santiamhospital.org